Student Life

The App Development Club serves as an outlet to students who are in interested in learning programming, real-world application design and architecture, critical thinking, and user interface design. Programming has countless uses, and this club seeks to inspire students to apply programming to a variety of different fields.

The Art Club provides students of all divisions with the opportunity to work creatively in the field of art and hand crafts. The club provides individual instruction to its members in a variety of media and works as a group on various schoolwide projects. Further, the club assists the art program in a service capacity.

The Aviation Club provides students with the opportunity to learn about various aspects of Aviation through lectures, guest speakers, videos, field trips, and student cooperative participation.

The Aviation Club provides students with the SUNY-Farmingdale Aviation Center and flew state-of-the-art Redbird simulators. through lectures, guest speakers, videos, field trips, and student cooperative participation.

The Bagpipe Band Club offers the opportunity to learn the necessary skills and develop the talents of students interested in playing the Highland bagpipes or drums. For the advanced students who are already proficient in performance, the band offers the chance to further their abilities while representing Chaminade High School at selected school functions.

The Band provides interested students with a variety of cocurricular and extracurricular musical activities. Chaminade has three Concert Bands. The Concert Bands, in conjunction with the Chaminade Glee Clubs and the String Orchestra, give two public performances each year at the Christmas and Spring Concerts.

All members of the Band are required to take individual, weekly music lessons which are scheduled during regular school hours. The weekly thirty minute lesson fee is $25.00 and is paid directly to the music teacher. Because of the dual purpose of the Band Department, personal proficiency in instrumental music and participation in a performing art, school and Regents credit may be earned by Band members. Members of the Band participate fully in the activities of the New York State School Music Association (NYSSMA) and the Nassau Music Educators Association (NMEA), regularly sending students to the All-County and All-State concerts.

Band practices are held every school day as a regular part of the school schedule.

The Chaminade Business Club is a student business organization preparing students for business careers. The club develops leadership, communication, and team skills while developing and enhancing professional networks.

Students who are members of Catholics for Life defend the sanctity of life from conception to natural death, and every stage in between. Students participate in weekly discussions and monthly evenings of adoration, in addition to retreats and service events throughout the year. Catholics for Life members seek to understand, protect, and enhance the religious and civil rights of all people, especially Catholics. They defend the rights of the unborn, the elderly, those with special needs, those facing religious discrimination, and other groups whose rights are not always protected.

The Catholic Literary Society offers the student body the opportunity to meet on a weekly basis and share an appreciation for the literary works of C.S. Lewis and other authors. Students read excerpts from some of their classic works and discuss the theological and philosophical significance. The Catholic Literary Society is open to all students.

The Chess Club is open to students interested in playing or learning the game. Members meet for games among themselves on an intramural basis. Students compete to qualify for the Chess Team. The Chess Team conducts matches and tournaments with other schools in an interscholastic chess league.

The Glee Club is a cocurricular Activity which is open to all students who are interested in choral music. Chaminade has two Glee Clubs and, in conjuction with the Concert Bands and String Orchestra, give two public performances each year at the Christmas and Spring concerts. In addition to these concerts, the Glee Club also sings during the Masses for the student body. Accordingly, both sacred and secular music are of interest to the Glee Club.

The Glee Club participates fully in the activities of the New York State School Music Association (NYSSMA) and the Nassau Music Educators Association (NMEA). All members of the Glee Club are required to take individual, weekly music lessons which are scheduled during regular school hours. The weekly thirty-minute lesson is $25.00 and is paid directly to the music teacher.

Glee Club practices are held every school day as a regular part of the school schedule. A calendar of all mandatory Glee Club activities, as well as volunteer opportunities, is published in September as well as posted on the Chaminade website. Membership in the Glee Club is contingent upon interest, cooperation and singing ability.

Open to all divisions, the Communications Club provides members with practical experience in television broadcasting and public speaking. The club provides announcers for the televised morning announcements and broadcasts the afternoon announcements.

CROSS is a group of juniors and seniors that serve the school in an apostolic capacity.  They assist at the divisional Evenings of Recollection and other school religious events, as well as serve as leaders/mentors on the overnight and day retreat programs. 

The Culinary Club provides the student body with the opportunity to learn the basics of kitchen skills and food preparation. Meetings are announced and each division meets monthly. Students may attend meetings as time and kitchen space permit.

The Drama Club offers interested students an opportunity to develop in the creative theatre arts. These arts include acting, singing and dancing, stage management, set design, stagecraft, costumes, make-up, and the opportunity to play in the pit band for the musical. The group usually produces a play and a musical each year.

The goal of the Economics Club is to promote and develop an interest in economics, finance, financial investments, financial markets, etc., and to present student access and information in regard to further academic studies and preparation into economic and business careers. In addition, our mission is to provide interest and support among students and faculty; and to provide a forum for the presentation of innovative ideas to the benefit of Chaminade H.S. In doing so, the Economics Club involves guest speakers, field trips, use of The Bloomberg Business Center and other activities.

All students at Chaminade High School are eligible to be active members.

Element Media provides students with an environment and opportunity to study and work in photography, video production, and other digital media arts. Our objectives are to give students an artistic outlet in all aspects of planning, creating, and distributing digital media to serve the school, and its community.

The Emmaus Apostolic Program is a schoolwide effort which seeks to engage students in service to the Church, the school, and the community. The name is taken from a passage in the Gospel of St. Luke (24:13-35), in which two disciples meet Jesus on the road to Emmaus. The disciples recognize the Risen Christ after walking, talking, and breaking bread with Him. In a similar way, Emmaus volunteers come to a deeper relationship with Jesus and discover new ways to actively express their faith. Emmaus volunteers participate in a wide variety of projects. Planting, painting, visiting the elderly, and working with children are just a few of the many types of service that Emmaus volunteers perform. Emmaus volunteers also perform service and lend their support to many of the spiritual programs on campus.

The Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion are students entrusted with assisting in the distribution of the Eucharist during school Masses and religious ceremonies. These students undergo special training to prepare for their role, deepening their understanding of the Eucharist and their commitment to faith and service. As spiritual leaders within the Chaminade community, they embody Marianist values by serving their peers, faculty, and staff in a meaningful and reverent way.

Members of this organization are responsible for the technical production of morning T.V. announcements, the recording of school-related performing art productions, and provide audio/ video recordings of educational content for classroom use. Students are trained in the techniques of video production and broadcasting on state-of-the-art digital equipment.

The Faustino Club is an organization for young men considering a vocation to the priesthood or religious life. It is named after Venerable Faustino Perez-Manglano, a teenage Spaniard whose diary, “Maybe God Will Speak to Me,” provides members with a template for vocation discernment. Members meet once a month; in addition, they attend retreats and take part in field trips to religiously significant sites in the tri-state area.

The Friends of St. Dymphna is Chaminade’s mental health awareness group named after the patron saint of those dealing with stress, anxiety, and other mental health issues. Members of the club organize school-wide activities that encourage students to engage in good mental health practices.

The object of the General Student Organization (GSO) is the participation of the student body with the faculty and parents in promoting the goal of the school: the formation of the Christian man in all areas of life — religious, moral, intellectual, social, physical and emotional. To this end, the GSO organizes apostolic, recreational, intramural and social activities for the students. Through their activities, the members of the GSO render a service to their fellow students while they experience themselves the maturing demands of responsibility and commitment which help to develop reliability and competence.

The GSO is organized by various committees. The GSO has two levels of committees: Schoolwide Committees, and Divisional Committees. The Schoolwide Committees include a Dance and Intramural Committee. Divisional Committees are organized by their respective moderators.

In order to encourage greater participation from the Student Body, the GSO is organized on a volunteer basis. Membership on any committee is open to all students.

The Golf Club provides the student body with an opportunity to enhance their knowledge of the game of golf through participation in a variety of activities, including actual play in golf outings in the spring. Members learn about golf rules and etiquette, participate in trivia contests, watch videos on golf instruction and places of interest, and attend practice sessions during the winter months. Members also compete in a variety of golf contests throughout the year.

The Hiking Club provides the student body with the opportunity to experience nature firsthand by sponsoring hikes on a variety of trails, mostly in New York, New Jersey and Connecticut. Most hikes are day hikes; some are camping experiences. The club is open to all divisions.

Chaminade students commit themselves to three hours or more of service per week after school or on weekends. They assist the following departments: X-ray, accounting, admitting, physical therapy, pharmacy, and the emergency room. The majority of Chaminade’s students participate in a program administered by the community hospital, which is within five blocks of the school. However, Chaminade also sponsors participation in volunteer programs in the students’ local communities.

Application is made to the program by students to the individual hospitals. Working papers are required in filling out an application for volunteer work. Students are required to complete a minimum of 35 hours of service to receive credit.

The hospital volunteer program is endowed in memory of Philip C. Kantz, Jr.

Members of the Intramural Officials Club assist the Intramural Program through effective refereeing of the various intramural events after school. Emphasis is placed on learning the rules of various sports by means of clinics and experience. The club is open to all students and awards are presented on the basis of the number of games in which a student has been a referee.

The Language Clubs allow interested students to further pursue the cultural and linguistic aspects of the language that they are studying. The clubs provide the members an opportunity to increase their appreciation of a different culture though various activities such as games, movies, celebrations of holidays, field trips, guest speakers, discussions, etc.

Skylight is the school literary magazine. This magazine features creative writing in such areas as poetry, short stories, and essays, along with photography and art. Publication of additional literary magazines (divisional literary magazines, etc.) must meet with the approval of the School Council.

The Literary Club provides interested students with the opportunity of enriching themselves through reading the works of great authors. The club provides its members with open forum discussions concerning the literature that they have read.

Marianist LIFE (Living in Faith Experience) is a nationwide faith formation program rooted in the Catholic and Marianist traditions. Members of the CHS LIFE Team take a week out of their summer to attend a leadership and faith formation retreat with students from other Marianist high schools around the country. Based on Blessed Chaminade’s vision for building communities to change the world, students, upon their return, serve as leaders in the Chaminade Campus Ministry Office to assist in strengthening the faith lives of their peers.

The Math Club, Mu Sigma, is open to all students with an interest in mathematics. The purpose of the club is to stimulate an interest in mathematics and to challenge the student with problems and opportunities beyond those encountered in the classroom. Members of the Math Club also assist in tutoring students in math.

Students compete to qualify for the Math Team. The Math Team participates in various “Mathlete” competitions, especially those of the Nassau County Interscholastic Mathematics League and the New York Mathematics League.

Math research opportunities are afforded to its members. Students can work on competitive research projects.

The Medical Club seeks to provide our students with a more in-depth look at the various sciences and professions that make up the medical world. Through guided experiments, research opportunities, as well as guest lectures, students will advance their knowledge and understanding of anatomy, forensics, medicine, as well as other related scientific disciplines. Alumni in the field as well as local medical professionals will be key presenters during the club lectures.

Music Club promotes the enjoyment and understanding of all musical genres beyond playing an instrument and the scope offered in the classroom. Members are not required to play a musical instrument or have any prior musical knowledge, although an intermediate understanding of music is assumed since all members have either passed or will currently be studying the freshman music course.

The National Honor Society (NHS) recognizes students who demonstrate excellence in scholarship, leadership, service, and character. Membership in NHS acknowledges a student’s commitment to academic achievement and his dedication to serving the school and local community.

Tarmac is the school newspaper, published by the students of Chaminade. The word “Tarmac” means an airport runway, an appropriate name for the newspaper of Chaminade students, who call themselves “Flyers.”

Membership on the Tarmac staff is open to all students interested in the various aspects of newspaper publishing, such as writing articles, selecting and cropping photos, layout design, and publishing.

Tarmac is published in both schoolwide and divisional editions, with schoolwide Tarmac appearing both in print and online (www. chstarmac.com). The divisional editions reflect the particular interests and personalities of those divisions. Students who work on divisional editions gain valuable experience for use on the schoolwide staff.

Tarmac is accessible at chstarmac.com.

Chaminade sophomores, juniors, and seniors have the opportunity to perform service to the local Church by instructing children in religious doctrine through the religious education programs of various parishes. Chaminade provides transportation and supervision for this instruction.

Instruction in methodology and direction of class preparation are provided for these student instructors on a daily basis during the school day. All students involved in parish religious education through Chaminade are scheduled for this instruction. Sophomore and Junior members also participate annually in a retreat for teachers.

The Parish Religious Education Program is endowed in memory of Philip C. Kantz, Jr.

The Physical Fitness Club was founded for the purpose of instructing inexperienced students in the Physical Fitness Center. Together with coaches, the members of the Physical Fitness Club instruct younger students on proper technique and provide advice and assistance when needed. The members are qualified upperclassmen who have joined the club with a willingness to aid others. The club also provides instructional clinics, weight lifting routines, and support.

The Production Crew designs and operates the lighting, sound, and scenery for all assemblies, Masses, prayer services, movies, concerts, and dramatic productions that occur on the Chaminade campus.

The Robotics Team offers students the opportunity to learn more about the essentials of designing, building, coding, and controlling robots for specific tasks. Students work in teams using parts and materials to construct a robot. These robots are designed to compete in a new challenge each year and will be brought to competitions at various sites competing against other schools and teams. The Robotics Team is open to all Chaminade students.

Members of the Sacristans, a volunteer service organization, are responsible for the liturgical appointments for all school Masses. The Sacristrans meet the day prior to each school Mass to arrange everything necessary for the celebration of the liturgy. On the day of the Mass, the Sacristans assist in vesting the celebrants, preparing the sacred vessels, and in cleaning after the celebration of the liturgy.

The Sacristans are endowed in memory of Philip C. Kantz, Jr.

The School Store Staff is an organization that is open to all students for the purpose of serving the school community. Staff members learn the basics of retail and assist with keeping the store stocked and maintaining inventory. Volunteers from the Parents Club also help in the store.

The Science Club has as its objectives the cultivation of an awareness of science, the familiarization of the student with scientific research, the encouragement of critical thinking, and the involvement of students in activities of a scientific, technological, or environmental nature

The Science Club’s activities include meetings, lectures, videos, and field trips to places of scientific or technological interest. The club sponsors the annual Science Fair and the Chaminade Invitational Science Fair for seventh and eighth grade students in Catholic schools.

Chaminade’s Science Olympiad Club is a multidisciplinary co-curricular activity. Its ultimate goal is allowing students to enthusiastically participate across a broad sampling of the sciences, such as the natural sciences, physical sciences, different aspects of engineering, mathematics, and problem-solving skills. Club members demonstrate these skills during interscholastic competitions held across the NY-metro area and beyond. The club also participates in the Long Island and New York State envirothon competitions focusing exclusively on ecology and environmental science.

Through all their preparations for these competitions, students learn personal accountability, the importance of team dynamics, and how to collaborate with their teammates to achieve shared goals – all critical skills for today’s future professionals.

The Science Research Club aims to promote student-based, translatable, scientific research. The research will be conducted at Chaminade’s state of the art Dolan Family Science, Technology and Research Center. Students will gain knowledge for initiating and conducting all aspects of scientific research. The fundamental use of the Scientific Method will be emphasized. Collaborative initiatives with local hospitals and research facilities will also be in place allowing students the opportunity to gain real world experience. In addition, students will have an opportunity to enter their research projects in both local and national science competitions.

Senior students have the opportunity to guide freshmen — during 3-C Week and throughout the school year — as our newest Flyers become acclimated to life at Chaminade.

The Social Studies Club has for its object the investigation, discussion and debate of the major national and international issues of the day. This organization restricts its activities to the school proper and does not directly participate in the political life of the community. Once a trimester the Club sponsors a field trip to some area of historical interest.

The Sodality of Our Lady of the Pillar is an organization whose purpose is:

a) To foster a greater awareness of oneself as a Christian,
b) To develop a greater sense of community among its members,
c) To promote among the members of the group an interchange of ideas and practices, and
d) To acquire a deeper knowledge of Christ and Mary by studying and discussing the Scriptures.

These purposes are achieved through the following:

a) The weekly meetings of the group, usually held on a Monday afternoon from 3:10 until 3:40 p.m. No other activity meets during this time period;
b) A personal interview with the Moderator of the group;
c) Participation in one of the programs at Meribah, the Chaminade retreat house; school-wide prayer services; and in the various Sodality Days of Recollection;
d) Participation in some form of apostolic activity.

Membership in the Sodality is open to all students. The groups will be organized according to division by the Director of Sodality.

The Robert C. Wright Speech and Debate Club is an activity composed of students from all four divisions. Its purpose is to develop forensic ability in its members. To this end, the students compete in local, state, and national speech and debate leagues.

The String Orchestra is a cocurricular activity open to interested students. In conjunction with the Band and Glee Club, the String Orchestra gives two public performances each year at the Christmas and Spring Concerts.

All members of the String Orchestra are required to take individual, weekly music lessons which are scheduled during regular school hours. The weekly thirty-minute lesson fee is $25.00 and is paid directly to the music teacher.

String Orchestra practices are held every school day as a regular part of the school schedule. Members of the String Orchestra participate fully in the activities of the New York State Music Associations (NYSSMA).

Students work with members of the Admissions Team to welcome prospective students and families to Chaminade and show them all that our school has to offer.

The Student-Athlete Leadership Program at Chaminade High School is dedicated to developing leadership, sportsmanship, and character among student-athletes. Members serve as role models both on and off the field, promoting values such as teamwork, integrity, and positive decision-making. One of the key initiatives includes outreach to local schools where student-athletes engage with younger students to discuss sportsmanship, responsibility, and making positive life choices. By fostering leadership within athletics, the program empowers students to lead by example and inspire others in their communities.

The Chaminade Vocal Chamber Ensemble is a cocurricular activity in which students who are already members of the Glee Club, audition for a spot in the Chaminade Vocal Chamber Ensemble. The Chaminade Vocal Chamber Ensemble gives two public performances each year at the Christmas and Spring concerts. In addition, the Chaminade Vocal Chamber Ensemble sings at various events throughout the year, both on and off-campus. The Chaminade Vocal Chamber Ensemble practices after school on days scheduled by the director. Membership in the Chaminade Vocal Chamber Ensemble is contingent upon interest and singing ability.

The Woodworking Club enables students with an interest in the manual crafts to learn the basic skills of carpentry and cabinetmaking. Students assist on construction projects in the school and work on their own projects. Instruction is given in the use of both hand and power tools.

The Crimson and Gold, Chaminade’s yearbook, is an artistic and literary work published specifically to memorialize a year in the history of the Chaminade High School family. Yearbook staff members participate in various aspects of production, including writing, photography, layout, and desktop publishing. Membership on the yearbook staff is open to all divisions. Each member of the student body automatically receives an electronic copy of the yearbook and all seniors receive a hardcopy as well. An advertising campaign is conducted at the beginning of the school year to finance the yearbook.